Special Issue on RISAT-1, Current Science, 25 March 2013 - Space ...

SPECIAL SECTION: RADAR IMAGING SATELLITE-1Figure 21.Close match of measured active antenna patterns during in-orbit test with predicted ones.Figure 22. Estimated average σ 0 over Amazon rainforest (FRS-1 mode).subsystems. ISRO’s experience with satellites never exceededdealing with more than 100–200 subsystems.ISRO’s resources were inadequate to carry out fabricationand testing of such large number of elements. Indian industrywas not equipped to handle space-quality fabrication,let alone handle such large numbers with zero defectproduction and testing approach. A number of industrieswere imparted training to carry out mass productionbased on final blueprints which were designed and perfectedin-house.The highlight of RISAT-1 programme was developmentof hardware elements through industry partnership.Various new technology elements like different types ofMMICs, miniaturized C-band TR module and pulsedpower supplies, dual polarized printed antenna, integrationblock and power distribution network, high-speeddigitizers, micro-controller and FPGA-based central distributedcontrol systems have been realized with the activeparticipation and collaboration of public and private sectorindustries like GAETEC, ASTRA, CENTUM, CMC, ShahjanandLaser Technologies (SLT), etc. Indigenous MMICfabrication line has been qualified at the GAETEC foundry.Design, development and qualification of an indigenouson-board controller ASIC for tile electronics haveCURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 104, NO. 4, 25 FEBRUARY 2013 459